All Shall Be Well - Brass Band - LM931

COMPOSER : Tamsin Tate

COMPOSERS NOTE

“All shall be well” was composed during the first lockdown of the Covid crisis, from May 2020. This was a worrying time for many and a time of great anxiety and sadness for some. I have always tried to be practically optimistic in trying times, but still I needed hope. I am lucky to have a faith in God which gives me hope and assurance that things will be better, and I also know that music, particularly playing it, can help express some of these emotions.

Certainly, music through the crisis was a wonderful, enjoyable escape for me and one I shared with my family and my band family through our online recordings.

 Julian of Norwich was an anchoress in the 14th Century. She set herself apart for God and spent a lot of time in prayer. Interestingly, she was the first published woman in the English language. Julian of Norwich is quoted as saying “all shall be well, all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.

” The paraphrase of this spurred me on to develop this piece for brass band. Hopefully you will also find that the music portrays the worries and trials of this unique time through the natural minor key, with the rhythm hinting towards the phrase “All shall be well” and then the dawning transition to the major key followed by a triumphant ending with the whole band joining together.

Thanks to Adam Cable and the Martlesham Brass family for support and encouragement always. Thanks also to Alan Fernie and his supportive critique of my initial efforts.

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